Asian Journal of Agricultural and Horticultural Research
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Influence of Mulching and Organic Manure on the Growth and Pod Yield of French Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.)
An experiment was conducted at the Horticulture Farm of Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, Dhaka during November 2020 to March 2021 to study the influence of mulching and organic manure on the growth and pod yield of French bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.). French bean variety BARI Jharsheem-2 was used as planting material in this study. The experiment consisted of two factors: Factor-A: mulch materials (4 levels): M0 = No mulches, M1 = Black polythene, M2 = Rice straw and M3 = Water hyacinth; Factor-B: T0 = No organic manure, T1 = Kitchen compost (5 t ha-1), T2 = Vermicompost (7 t ha-1) and T3 = Kitchen compost + Vermicompost (2.5 t ha-1 +3.5 t ha-1). In the trial, the M1 (Black Polythene Mulch) treatment outperformed the M0 (No Mulch) treatment in terms of plant morphology and yield and yield attributes. Higher pod yields per hectare were produced by the organic manure T3 (Kitchen compost + Vermicompost) than by the control T0 (no organic manure). The investigation's top treatment combination was identified as M1T3 (black polythene mulch and kitchen compost + vermicompost), which had a 17.55 tha-1 yield potential. At the interaction level between mulching and organic manure, a significant correlation between the yield and yield components was found. 
Enersol Promotes Growth and Yield Performance of Pechay (Brassica rapa L. var. chinensis (L.) Hanelt)
This study presents the results of a field bio-efficacy evaluation to assess the impact of Enersol® LDG, a mineral fertilizer containing leonardite and humic acid, on the growth and yield of pechay (Brassica rapa) in Puypuy, Bay, Laguna, Philippines. In pechay production, there is a need for a plant food supplement that facilitates immediate nutrient absorption. Leonardite-based products have been used to improve soil properties and to help plants withstand biotic and abiotic stresses. Leonardite is an important raw material in the manufacture of commercial products rich in humic and fulvic acids. An experiment in a randomized complete block design with three replications was conducted, with different combinations of Enersol® LDG and inorganic fertilizer applied basally at seed sowing. Results showed that the combination of Enersol® LDG and inorganic fertilizer significantly increased the total fresh yield of pechay compared to other treatments. However, reducing the amount of inorganic fertilizer resulted in lower yields, regardless of the Enersol® LDG application rate. The marketable yield and percent marketable yield were also significantly higher in plants treated with Enersol® LDG and inorganic fertilizer combinations compared to the control and Enersol® LDG alone. Based on these findings, it can be concluded that Enersol® LDG, when combined with inorganic fertilizer, significantly enhanced the growth, and yield of pechay. Further research is recommended to explore optimal dosage and application methods for maximizing pechay production using Enersol® LDG
Effect of Computer-assisted Instruction in Agricultural Science: A Focus on Colleges of Education Students in Ghana
This study examined how computer-assisted instruction (CAI) affected how agricultural science was taught and learned in colleges of education. From the Ashanti and Western North regions of Ghana, two colleges of education were chosen using a purposeful selection technique. 350 pre-service teachers from the chosen colleges made up the study's population. Scores from the pre-and post-tests for the pupils were submitted to a quasi-experimental design. While the students in the control group were taught the same concepts using the traditional method, the students in the experimental group learned agricultural concepts through computer-assisted instruction (CAI). The traditional mode of instruction included lectures, group discussions, and question and answer sessions. The study's results demonstrated that pre-service teachers who received CAI performed better than their counterparts who received traditional classroom teaching. Recommendations about the necessity of creating pertinent CAI packages for teaching agriculture in Ghanaian colleges of education were made based on the research findings
Chemical Composition Changes of Main Active Components Accompanying the Conversion of Some Essential Oils (EO) into Essential Oils Nanoemulsion (EONE)
Four essential oils [Sweet Basil (Ocimum basilicum L, Fam: Lamiaceae), Geranium, (Pelargonium graveolens, Fam: Geraniaceae), Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus, Fam: Poaceae) and Peppermint (Mentha piperita L. Fam: Lamiaceae)] were selected to be converted into essential oil nanoemulsions (EONE). The four oils were analyzed in their natural (EO) and nano form (EONE) using GC-MS, and the results showed a significant increase in the percentage of the main components of the four oils in their nano form (EONE). The results also indicated an increase in the total content of TPC phenols (12.91, 12.04, 13.78, 12.88 (mg GAE/g)) respectively, as well as an increase in the percentage DPPH% (48.22, 36.21, 44.68 and 30.83%) respectively in the four oils. The results showed that the conversion EO to EONE for the four oils under study had preserved their physical and chemical properties
Simulation and Construction of a Solar Powered Smart Irrigation System Using Internet of Things (IoT), Blynk Mobile App
Aims: To simulate and construct a solar powered smart irrigation system using Blynk Mobile App.
Study Design: Experimental design through simulation studies and internet of things.
Place and Duration of Study: Department of Physics, Nasarawa State University Keffi, Nigeria, between July 2021 and March 2022.
Methodology: The system was simulated using Proteus ISIS Version 8.6. It consists of two main units that is transmitter and receiver. The transmitter consists of a sensor circuit that senses the soil moisture, humidity and temperature. Then the Node MCU microcontroller collects the data and sent to the Blynk Mobile App (Receiver). The circuit was tested at two different conditions of the soil; Wet soil and Dry soil.
Results: Output performance analysis when the water level in soil (Moisture) was high, indicated Temperature value 28.3°C, Humidity 72%, and the Pump was OFF. When the water level in soil was mild, temperature was 60°C, Humidity 68%, and pump was turned ON. The pump is activated to switch ON as far as the water reservoir is having enough water and will switch OFF when the required level of moisture in the soil is achieved. The solar power ensured constant power supply, while the Blynk Mobile App ensured real time data monitoring by the Farmer even when he is far away from the farm.
Conclusion: This system is an improve irrigation system that supports low water and electricity consumption as well as efficient monitoring for increase farmers’ output
Influence of Apical Cutting on Growth Parameters of Roselle (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.) in Two Agro-climatic Zones of Niger
Improving roselle yield and production, particularly in light of climate change and variability, remains challenging and constantly urges for the modification of agro-techniques. One such modification that has proven successful in boosting yield of many vegetable crops in recent years is the adaptation of the apex cutting technique, especially in unfavorable agro-climatic circumstances where traditional methods are not plausible. This study was to assess the effect of cutting the main stem apical bud on roselle growth parameters and determine the optimal stage of apex cutting. The experiment was conducted in a split plot experimental device in randomized blocks with four (4) repetitions at Tara/Gaya and Tarna/Maradi. Two factors were studied, six (6) roselle ecotypes and four (4) levels of apex cuttings viz. C0 (uncunt plants as a control); C1 (20 days after sowing (DAS)); C2 (30 DAS); and C3 (40 DAS). The findings showed that apex cutting significantly affected all the morphological parameters evaluated. Apex cutting significantly reduced the total plant height and the number of primary branches per plant. Furthermore, significant increases were observed in the diameter and the number of secondary branches per plant for the six ecotypes. Moreover, the optimal time-point for obtaining the best collar diameter and secondary branches per plant was found to be between cut 1 (20 DAS) and cut 2 (30 DAS)
Mode of Attack of Microbiological Control Agents against Plant Pathogens for Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security
Plant diseases accounts for huge losses in agriculture. To ensure food security and sustainability, an agricultural yield must be improved to meet the growing world population. Due to growing awareness of the effect of pesticides and herbicides on human health and the environment, an alternative safe method of controlling phytopathogens has become a subject of intense research. Biological control of plant diseases is the use of living organisms to suppress or inhibit plant pathogens. Microbiological control agents (MBCAs) employ microorganisms to protect crops from destruction by phytopathogens through different modes of action. They may act by direct interaction with the pathogens through hyperparasitism. Indirect antagonistic interaction with the pathogen through induction of host resistance and priming is another mode of attack by MBCAs. Competition for nutrients and space is another important indirect mode of attack by which MBCAs suppress the growth of pathogens through nutrient deprivation. The MBCAs can also interact with the plant through secretion of antibiotics or antimicrobial secondary metabolites with inhibitory effect against the pathogens. A clear understanding of the mode of action of MBCAs is vital to achieving a successful biocontrol operation as well as improving the biocontrol process that is devoid of risks to humans and the environment. Such improvement could be achieved through the use of microbial consortia to enhance the stability and efficiency of the biocontrol process. Further studies on aspects of mass production and formulation to produce more effective, stable, safer and cost effective MBCAs are needed
Morphological Characterization, Evaluation and Selection of Hibiscus (Hibiscus rosa-sinensis L) Genotypes for High Yield
An experiment was conducted at Department of Floriculture and Landscaping, TNAU, Coimbatore with the objectives viz., i) to study the morphological, flowering, yield parameters of different hibiscus accessions and (ii) to identify the accession with high flower yield with attractive colour. In this experiment, 14 hibiscus genotypes were collected from different places of Tamil Nadu and also from Thrissur, Kerala and these genotypes were evaluated continuously from June, 2014 to Sep, 2019. Among the different accessions the highest plant height was observed in Acc 1 (170.58 cm and the highest number of branches was observed in Acc 3 (14.00) 360 days after pruning. The highest leaf length was observed in Acc 10 (9.00 cm) while the highest bud length was recorded by Acc 1 (4.50 cm) and Acc 4 (4.62 cm). The highest single flower weight was observed in Acc 1 (10.60 g) and the highest flower diameter was observed in Acc 13 (12.37 cm) which was on par with Acc 1 (12.17 cm). Acc. 1(THR 1) was identified for high flower yield (2.10 kg/plant/year)
Growth Increment of Tissue Cultured Abaca Seedlings Applied with Conventional Fertilizer and Biostimulant
This study was conducted purposely to investigate the growth increment of tissue cultured Abaca seedlings applied with conventional fertilizer and biostimulant. And successfully reject the hypothesis that there is no significant difference on the plant height, pseudostem girth, leaf count per plant, leaf area per plant, shoots length, number of primary roots, and roots length of Abaca to the different combination of conventional and biostimulant fertilizers. And there is no correlation between treatments and parameters.
The application of SDF significantly promoted plant growth and root architecture of Abaca compared with the control, even with a limited amount of mineral nutrient input. Among the four with SDF treatments applied in the study, 100%, 75%, and 2.5g CF combined with SDF proved to be effective in both root development and aboveground growth promotion. There is a positive correlation between treatments and parameters
Bioactivity of Leaf Extract of Phyllantus amarus against Fungal Pathogens Associated with Sweet Orange Rot Disease
This study was carried out to determine disease incidence and control of fungal pathogens associated with rot of sweet orange using Phyllantus amarus leaf extract. Forty sweet oranges (Citrus sinensis var. Valencia) were collected from the markets and taken to the laboratory. Isolation and identification of the fungi were carried out using standard procedures and the efficacy of the leaf extracts of Phyllantus amarus was determined on the isolated fungi. The result of this study showed that four pathogens (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus flavus, Penicillum expansum and Rhizopus stolonifer) were identified to be associated with the rot. Rot incidence was upto of 35%. Pathogenicity confirmed the characteristic features similar to the original diseased samples. The effect of the leaf extract of Phyllantus amarus on the isolated fungi shows that the rate of inhibition increases with increase in concentration of the P. amarus extract, The P. amarus extract was effective against A. flavus had the highest zone of inhibition (10.667). The inhibition zone was lesser for R. stolonifer among the pathogens (8.333). Sweet orange should be consumed after harvest or can be stored in refrigerator for period of 1=2 weeks. The fruit should be discarded if any alteration in color or taste of the fruit is noticed as this can be hazardous to human health.